They aren’t yet being included in discussions about the South Puget Sound League North Division heavyweights when it comes to girls tennis.

But with a little bit of patience, Kentlake is going to be a team with which to be reckoned – both this season and in the future, coach Deborah Raghubeer insists.

Raghubeer’s optimism is understandable. While the Falcons graduated some veteran talent in Heidi Weaver, Kelly Cooper and Lindsey Stokes, among others, they return district qualifier Julie Williams and have a pair of new faces on the courts that gives reason to be excited about the future. Those two faces – freshmen Kara Ikeda and Kimmy Williams – should make an instant impact this spring.

“We did lose some seniors,” Raghubeer said. “But Kara and Kimmy are pretty exceptional as far as ninth graders.”

Kentlake is enjoying its usual solid turnout of 30 girls. Among them, Raghubeer sees SPSL North contention in the not-so-distant future.

“Not only is (Kara’s and Kimmy’s) technique awesome and they both have good form, they will make the team stronger than normal over the next four years,” she said.

Meanwhile, Williams remains the ace of the bunch, one who can swing it in singles or doubles. The trick will be knowing when to slot Williams in as the No. 1 singles player and when to slide her into doubles play.

“She’s got really good form and has great strokes, is powerful and is very consistent,” Raghubeer said. “She can be a top (North Division) contender in singles and doubles.”